Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Our skin is always susceptible to many disturbing conditions due to internal and external factors, such as hidradenitis suppurativa, which leads to several symptoms.

Hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa, or acne inversa, is an autoinflammatory disease in the skin where there are sweat glands, and it usually occurs in places where the skin rubs together, like the armpits, groin, buttocks, and breasts, and causes painful lumps under the skin.

This condition usually starts after puberty, before the age of 40, and affects women three times more than men, and it affects the African race more.

Causes and risk factors leading to hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa occurs when the hair follicles get blocked, but the reason is unknown.

The risk factors include the following:

• Family history.
• Smoking.
• Obesity.
• Hirsutism.
• Fluctuation in the sex hormones (estrogen and androgen), which is common after puberty and before menopause.
• This condition occurs frequently in people with severe acne, diabetes, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and metabolic syndrome.

Symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa

• The following body areas are the most affected: the armpits, anus, buttocks, creases under the breasts, inner thighs and groin, waist, genitals, and nape of the neck.
• Painful pea-sized lumps that start under the skin and develop to be abscesses (bags that contain bad-smelling pus). With time, sinus tracts could form between the lumps and cause pus and blood leakage.
• Some lumps might open and leak pus.
• Black heads in some areas.

Complications of hidradenitis suppurativa

• Infections.
• Cellulitis.
• Scarring.
• Persistent pain.
• Swelling.
• Damage in the lymphatic system.
• Fistulas (an abnormal connection between the skin and bladder or bowel).
• Restricted movement.
• Sepsis.
• Anemia.
• In rare cases, skin cancer.
• Psychological effects and social isolation.

Diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa

• Physical examination.
• Medical history of the patient.
• Excluding other conditions like acne and blisters.

Management of hidradenitis suppurativa

• Some medications, depending on the case, and painkillers.
• Some advanced cases might need surgery to remove the lumps or the tunnels.
• Laser therapy.

Prevention of hidradenitis suppurativa

You can reduce the risk by:

• Following a healthy lifestyle and avoiding smoking.
• Avoid wearing tight clothes.
• Losing weight if needed.
• Not using scented skin products.